¹ Now in those days, the disciples being multiplied, there developed a murmuring of the Hellenists against the Hebrews because their widows were neglected in the daily assistance.

² And the twelve, having summoned the multitude of the disciples, they said, It is not right for us, having left the word of God behind, to serve tables.

³ Therefore, brothers, seek ye out seven men from you being well reported, full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this need.

⁴ But we will continue steadfastly in prayer, and in the service of the word.

⁵ And the word was pleasing before all the multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte, a citizen of Antioch,

⁶ men whom they placed before the apostles. And having prayed, they laid hands upon them.

⁷ And the word of God increased, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a large company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

⁸ And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people.

⁹ But some of those from the synagogue called Libertines, and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up disputing with Stephen.

¹⁰ And they were not able to withstand the wisdom and the spirit by which he spoke.

¹¹ Then they instigated men who said, We have heard him speaking blasphemous sayings against Moses and God.

¹² And they incited the people, and the elders, and the scholars. And after approaching, they seized him, and brought him to the council.

¹³ And they put forward false witnesses who said, This man does not cease speaking blasphemous sayings against the holy place, and the law.

¹⁴ For we have heard him saying that this Jesus the Nazarene will destroy this place, and will change the customs that Moses delivered to us.

¹⁵ And all who sat in the council, having gazed upon him, saw his face like a face of an agent.